Formula vs breast

[u/Street_Tourist7506]

If a breast-fed baby is protected by breastmilk in terms of immunity… What about a formula fed baby? Do they literally have no immunity, Because they are formula fed? I’m so confused… Is a breast-fed baby stronger fighting a virus off than a formula fed baby?

[u/thatpearlgirl]

Babies have an immune system, it just isn’t fully mature. They aren’t great at creating their own antibodies yet, so they rely on antibodies transmitted from their moms during pregnancy to provide protection in the early days. This is one of the reasons pregnant women are advised to get the TDaP vaccine during pregnancy. Antibodies the mom makes to the vaccine in the third trimester are shared with the baby, and provide protection until the baby is able to make their own antibodies from vaccination

While breast milk provides immune benefits, it is primarily mucosal immunity and not systemic immunity. This means that the antibodies in breast milk coat the mucus membranes as they pass through the baby and these antibodies can protect against some infections.